Primary School Teacher

Job Description

How to Become a Primary School Teacher in Scotland

Educate and inspire children aged 4-12 in P1-P7 across Scotland’s local authority primary schools.

N5 Maths (C) also required.

GTCS provisional registration during probationer year.

Probationer salary £34,938 (from August 2025).

Required Highers

• English – minimum grade C (GTCS statutory requirement). Typical entry: ABBB.
• Maths or Applications of Maths – minimum grade C at National 5.

Route to Qualification

• BEd Primary (4 years)
• Any degree + PGDE Primary (1 year postgraduate)

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

• University of Edinburgh (Moray House)
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Glasgow
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Stirling
• University of Dundee
• University of the West of Scotland
• Edinburgh Napier University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Primary Teacher in Scotland, you must register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

• Probationer salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938.
• Salary scale for teachers with 5-10 years experience: £41,916 – £52,614 (from August 2025).
• From 1 April 2026, probationer rises to £35,022.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Primary Teacher in Scotland? You typically need Higher English (A BBB) and Maths or Applications of Maths (C) at National 5.

Which Scottish universities offer BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary? The following Scottish universities offer routes into Primary Teacher careers: University of Edinburgh (Moray House), University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Stirling, University of Dundee, University of the West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University. Scottish domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.

How long does it take to become a Primary Teacher in Scotland? The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include any degree + PGDE Primary (1 year postgraduate).

What is the salary for a Primary Teacher in Scotland? Starting salary is typically £34,938. Mid career salary is typically £41,916-£52,614. Probationer salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938; from 1 April 2026 rises to £35,022.

Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Primary Teacher in Scotland? There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Primary School Teacher in Scotland.

Do SAAS cover tuition fees for Primary School Teacher degrees in Scotland? Scottish domiciled students studying BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages may not be covered-check the SAAS website for your specific course.

Quick Facts

• Typical offer: ABBB at Higher.
• Degree: BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary.
• Scottish domiciled students studying at a Scottish university pay no tuition fees-SAAS covers them in full for undergraduate degrees.